Football
PNGI CONGRATULATES APC CHAIRMAN, PRESIDENT TINUBU, SUPER FALCONS ON HISTORIC WAFCON VICTORY
The Progressive Next Generation Initiative (PNGI) has extended heartfelt congratulations to Nigeria’s Super Falcons following their thrilling victory over host nation Morocco in the just-concluded CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. In a statement signed by the group’s Acting National Publicity Secretary, Mathias Zadoc, PNGI praised the team for their extraordinary display of sporting excellence, national pride, and the resilient spirit of Nigerian women.
“The Progressive Next Generation Initiative proudly celebrates this outstanding performance by the Super Falcons,” the statement read. “Their victory over Morocco on home soil is a clear demonstration of Nigeria’s strength, tactical depth, and fighting spirit on the continental sports stage.” PNGI described the win as “a welcome victory and a sign of continued success from now till 2027.”
The group emphasized that the Super Falcons’ triumph transcends the realm of football, symbolizing national identity, unity, and renewed hope, especially for young Nigerian girls who now look up to the team as powerful role models. “These women have done more than win a match, they have lifted the spirit of our nation,” PNGI added. “Their courage, determination, and teamwork embody the values our younger generation should emulate.”
PNGI also congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his visionary leadership and unwavering support for sports development in Nigeria. The group felicitated the newly appointed National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), applauding his emergence as a harbinger of victories on Nigerian soil.
The group called on Nigerians, the Ministry of Sports, and the private sector to rally behind the team, support their development, and increase investment in women’s football. PNGI reaffirmed its commitment to empowering Nigerian youth, advancing gender equality in sports, and supporting achievements that foster unity, progress, and national pride.
Everton delivered a dominant performance to defeat Chelsea 3–0 in their Premier League clash on Saturday, piling further pressure on the London side’s struggling campaign.
Playing at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, Everton took control of the game and capitalised on defensive lapses from Chelsea to secure a convincing victory. Beto was the standout performer, scoring twice; first in the 33rd minute and again shortly after the hour mark to give the hosts a firm grip on the contest.
The home side sealed the win late in the second half when Iliman Ndiaye added a third goal with a fine finish, capping an impressive attacking display.
Chelsea struggled to respond throughout the match despite enjoying spells of possession. Their attacking efforts lacked sharpness, while defensive errors proved costly, extending their poor run of form. The defeat marks their fourth consecutive loss across competitions, raising concerns about consistency and tactical direction.
Everton, on the other hand, continue to build momentum, with back-to-back home wins boosting their hopes of securing a European qualification spot.
The result also narrows the gap between both sides in the league standings, intensifying the race for continental football places.
Manchester United was forced to settle for a 2-2 draw against AFC Bournemouth in a chaotic Premier League encounter at the Vitality Stadium, with controversy, a red card, and late drama shaping the result.
The first half ended goalless, but the game came alive after the break when United captain Bruno Fernandes converted a penalty in the 61st minute to give the visitors the lead.
Bournemouth responded quickly, as Ryan Christie equalised just minutes later following a controversial moment in which United was denied a penalty at the other end.
United regained the lead in the 71st minute through an own goal by James Hill, putting them in control once again. However, the match turned dramatically in the 78th minute when Harry Maguire was sent off for conceding a penalty after bringing down Evanilson.
Substitute Eli Junior Kroupi calmly converted the spot-kick to make it 2-2, ensuring Bournemouth claimed a point after coming from behind twice.
The game was heavily influenced by contentious refereeing decisions, with United Manager Michael Carrick criticizing the inconsistency of penalty calls that he believed cost his side all three points.
Despite the draw, Manchester United remain third in the league standings with 55 points, while Bournemouth continue their impressive unbeaten run and sit mid-table.
Argentine superstar Lionel Messi reached a remarkable milestone on Wednesday, scoring the 900th goal of his illustrious career, but it wasn’t enough to prevent Inter Miami from being eliminated from the CONCACAF Champions Cup on away goals after a 1-1 draw with Nashville SC.
Messi, 38, opened the scoring just seven minutes into the second leg of the Round of 16 clash, giving Miami an early advantage in what was the club’s final game at their Chase Stadium home in Fort Lauderdale.
However, Nashville’s Cristian Espinoza equalized in the 74th minute, sending the visitors from Tennessee through to the quarter-finals under the away goals rule.
The goal marked Messi’s 81st in Major League Soccer since joining Inter Miami in 2023. Across his career, he has also scored 672 goals for Barcelona, 32 for Paris Saint-Germain, and 115 for the Argentina national team.
Goal number 900 comes 21 years after Messi’s senior debut goal for Barcelona in a 2-0 win over Albacete in 2005, when he was just 17. Widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, Messi still trails his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who currently has 965 career goals.
Speaking ahead of the milestone, Miami manager and former teammate Javier Mascherano described Messi’s goal record as “insane.” “I’ve been lucky to witness many of his goals up close, and that’s a privilege. The number we’re talking about is insane that’s why Leo is one of a kind,” Mascherano said.
Wednesday’s match was also a farewell to Inter Miami’s Chase Stadium, their home since entering Major League Soccer in 2020. The team is set to move to a new 26,700-seat facility next month.
Messi, who has already extended his Inter Miami contract through 2028, is expected to feature in his sixth World Cup later this year as Argentina defend their title in the expanded 48-team tournament across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Messi’s career has been defined by prolific scoring. He netted 672 times in 778 games for Barcelona, winning 35 trophies, then added 32 goals in 75 appearances for PSG, and 81 goals in 96 matches for Inter Miami, helping the team secure the 2023 Leagues Cup and the 2025 MLS Cup.
Internationally, he has scored 115 goals in 196 appearances, including two in Argentina’s 2022 World Cup final victory over France.
Despite Messi’s record-breaking achievement, Inter Miami will look ahead to the new season and their new home, while fans celebrate one of football’s greatest ever scorers.